BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
The basis
of all our Bloodborne Pathogens guidelines is using UNIVERSAL
PRECAUTIONS. If we remember to handle all blood and all body
fluids as if they are infectious, we are practicing universal precautions and
protecting others and ourselves in doing this.
REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF HANDWASHING
If you are away from a water source, have alcohol wipes,
baby wipes, antiseptic towelettes, or alcohol gel available.
ALWAYS have
disposable gloves with you in case there is an incident of blood or body
fluid spillage. A good way to be sure they are available is to carry a
pair in a 35-mm film canister or in a pill bottle in your pocket. If you
are known to be allergic to latex, vinyl gloves will be provided for you.
In
If there is an incident where you feel you have been exposed to someone
else's blood or body fluid through an open area on your skin or through a
splatter into your mouth, nose, or eyes, this is considered an EXPOSURE INCIDENT.
You should first wash or flush this area well with water (or for eyes,
eyewash). You should then report the incident to your school nurse, so
that the appropriate follow-up will be offered to you at that time, including
medical evaluation if indicated. The nurse will handle follow-up of the
exposure. (If follow-up is indicated, it should be initiated
immediately. A delay in prompt follow-up could invalidate test results,
as there could have been other possible contacts in the interval between the
initial incident and actual testing.)
If you
follow these quidelines, you will be protected in the event
a contact with blood or body fluids occurs.